by Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports

by Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports

Dustin Pedroia and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a seven-year contract extension that will keep him in Boston through 2021, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet finalized. WEEI, which first reported the agreement, said it is worth $100 million and begins after Pedroia's current deal expires following the 2014 season.

Pedroia has been emerging as the face of the Red Sox franchise since his first full season in 2007, when he was named rookie of the year. The following season, he led the league in hits, runs scored and doubles as he made the All-Star Game in the first of four occasions, won the American League MVP, and earned Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors.

Now in his eighth year with Boston, Pedroia, 29, has shown little sign of slowing down. He's batting .308 and, after battling injuries in recent seasons, has played in all but one of the Red Sox's games. Pedroia signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension in December 2008 that will pay him $10 million in 2014. The new contract eliminates a 2015 club option of $11 million from his previous deal.